The intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1887-1891, 1887-07-02
est. Johns Day" at Odessa, Mo.

"
The Masonic brotherhood of that brisk
railroad town, yclept Odessa, celebrated the
anniversary of the birthday of one of the
patron saints Of their time -honOred institu-
ton on last Friday, June "a. 1887. Ample
preparations were made for AN open air pic
mic in the Greasy grove, near Odessa. Sister
lodges were invited and several distinguished
Masons. noted for their eloquence and
Masonic love, We're booked for orators, and
the country generally were expected to turn
out to Enjoy this festive occasion. The
weather for ten days previous to the happy
day had been delightful, and all things gave
promise of u most enjoyable occasion. The
fatted calf had been killed, and the choicest
lamb of the flock had been prepared, and
baskets filled with such good things ~ the
people of Odessa seem alone to know how to
provide, and nothing was left undone to re-
ceiye and entertain all who should come to
partake of the hospitality and enjoy the
society OF the brethren of Odessa Lodge.
But, alas, 1.-The best laid schemes of mice
and men oft gang aglee,'' and SO 1t was on
this occasion for the open air picnic. When
Friday morning dawned there were dark
clouds skirtipg the western horizon, and long
before the hour for assembling had arrived,
the mutterlng thunder announced the Oming
storm that was destined TO dash all hopes of
the grove picnic that had been so %abundantly
provided for and so %abundantly desired. The
rain began to fall about seven o'clock and
continued until near one o'clock with but
little intermission. 1t was a charming ram, u
delightful rain, and long desired rain, and
although 1t prevented the Masons of Odessa
and their wives. children and friends from
going to the woods and enjoying themselves
Us they had expected, still there was no
complaining, no wishing that 1t would quit
raining was to be heard, but thanksgiving
rather was heard from the lips OF many and
felt in the hearts of all.
notwithstanding the rain quite Il numbe
of Masons from Lexington, Fayetteville and
elsewhere, assembled with their brethren OF
Odessa in their beautiful lodge room, an,
enjoyed that social brotherly intercours,
peculiar TO the members of the mystic frater
nifty. after which they repaired to the oper
house, where they listened 10 u practical an,
eloquent address from DR.. c.. ii. Briggs, o
$500 80 NtS OHS vi tN III an
orators Of the Grand Lodge of Missouri
Mr.. Briggs address was replete with Ma.oni
} information and good counsel, and must re
suit in good to those who heard it. Ate
the address came the feast of fat taing,
the Refreshments after the hours OF labor ;
familiar to the Mason. The dinner wa
spread in one of the large store rooms of th
4, Laclede Block, and the two long counters in
p~rovised into tables for the occasion, LITERAL
grOaned under the " eight OF the good thing
4 prepared for the crowd eager to enjoy then
l The master of ceremonies. Bro. Leonar,
h invited every body to go with the brethren
Odessa to the banquet hall, and partake
the rich repast SO beautifully provide,
Although the invitation was So broad and
d generally accepted, there was enough IL
each, enough for all, and enough to last
the end. aud many basketfuls of fragment